Chunky Cheddar Chili Beans
Chunky Cheddar Chili Beans offers a hearty blend of ground beef, kidney beans, and tomatoes, bursting with the warm flavors of chili powder. Topped with melty cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners, satisfying even the heartiest appetites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown beef and onions.
- Drain.
- Add all ingredients.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add cheese just before serving while hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and pork. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if preferred. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This recipe can also be adapted into a hearty chili beef casserole by layering it with cornbread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chunky cheddar chili beans with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, or additional shredded cheese for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Carrie'S Cabbage Soup for a complete comfort food experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Cheddar Chili Beans contains roughly 405 calories, with 24g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), and iron (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just add the cheese before serving.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack would work well as substitutes for Cheddar. Both will melt nicely and add a different flavor profile to the chili. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chunky cheddar chili beans recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for the week. It reheats well, making it a convenient option for busy days. Just store in the fridge or freezer for easy access.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).